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BTS address Covid-19, Black Lives Matter and 'Dynamite' in Weverse magazine, Army says 'we're the change'

While the group usually prefers to let their music do the talking, they've seemingly embarked on a journey of honesty and vulnerability, following their 'Break the Silence' movie with this in-depth write-up

BTS and Big Hit Entertainment have unveiled the first issue of their Weverse Magazine via the Weverse app and it reveals a much more honest side to the boys who discuss everything from the pandemic and the development of their album to the Black Lives Matter protest, the #MatchAMillion initiative from their Army, and the racism they faced in America. While BTS has been one of the most visible acts of the year, appearing on every major show and winning awards globally, it appears they reserved their innermost thoughts just for their fans.

Their film, 'Break the Silence', saw the members delve into the thematic elements they explored in their 'Map of the Soul' series of albums, particularly the insecurities that go with being global stars and the price of fame, as well as their on-stage personas and what it means to create art from behind that veneer. In the Weverse write-up, however, they tackle sociopolitical issues and recount their first-hand experiences in a way they haven't before.

BTS fans have been praising the magazine write-up for its honesty and eloquence, highlighting the opportunity it presented for the group to tell their own story. "Media outlets failed to write a proper article about BTS and only used them for clicks and views so they made their own Weverse Magazine and might I add that it is one of the best articles I’ve ever read about BTS," stated one fan. Another shared, "@BTS_twt did it again... just like they created their own variety show in the past when they were not given the opportunity to, this time they created their own platform 'Weverse Magazine' get the in-depth respectful coverage that western media failed to give them. I love it here." And one fan stated, "So happy to see the weverse magazine. It was the definition of 'things aren't the same, but they can move forward'. Really felt a sense of connectedness. This was the most overtly socially aware I've seen a @BTS_twt connected piece of content be, outside of their music."

Ensuring they give credit where credit is due, one fan shared, "Huge shout-out to these incredible people that made possible the Weverse Magazine! It was a good read!" along with a list of the people behind the piece, while another shared, "How every piece I’ve read from Weverse Magazine so far has just been them pushing this entire sense of connectedness ... togetherness & belonging. It's rlly rlly moving," adding, "Esp during these times ?? ... it feels rlly rlly needed like I’ve genuinely enjoyed every piece so far I can't wait for more truly."

One segment of the magazine that caught the attention of Armys and non-fans alike was the piece boldly tackling the racism BTS endured while they embarked on their promotional tour through America. The segment in question reads, "On Feb. 24 (ST), Howard Stern, the host of 'The Howard Stern Show' of the SiriusXM staple, was talking about the coronavirus. Then he claimed that when BTS visited SiriusXM on Feb. 21 (ST), their writer Sal Governale said, 'There's no way those guys don't have the coronavirus'." The section addressed the larger issues of anti-Asian sentiments that followed after the pandemic hit, and while many Asians and Asian-Americans have spoken up about their experiences, this marks the first time BTS and Big Hit Entertainment have tackled it head-on. And their fans couldn't be happier. One fan stated, "WTF!!???? Weverse Magazine is spilling some tea....." while another said, "Say his name loud and clear, Sal Governale. We need to know who the racist m**kers are."

BTS' thoughts on 'Dynamite's success also earned a segment. One fan, moved to tears by what the group had to say, shared their thoughts; "To those who are not BTS or ARMY, Dynamite would just be a song that hit No.1 on the Hot 100 for 2 wks in a row. But for ARMY, it is evidence of how we endured the dark night, a night that no one knows when the dawn will break...But w the faith that we are connected, ARMY is raising their voice in many fields to change the world...Sometimes they are devoted fans supporting @BTS_twt songs to make a new [chart] record & sometimes they are activists fighting for a better world by helping others." BTS previously revealed the song was developed out of their frustrations at not being able to perform live, eventually morphing into a song of joy and hope.

The in-depth write-up included several uplifting messages from BTS for their beloved Army. One read, "The morning when we can dance together is yet to come. BTS and ARMY are in their own room, dancing, living their life, and doing their work. Until the moment when dawn breaks again," pointing to a hopeful future when the world returns to normal again. In the meantime, as BTS and Army await their eventual reuniting, BTS continues to work on their music. Touching on the upcoming project, Taehyung shared, as tweeted by a fan handle, "I thought it would be difficult because it’s my first time being a visual manager for our album, but our staffs helped me a lot, my opinions on scheduling and conceptualization were all accepted, and I’m happy because our members all liked it."

Naturally, the piece has touched Armys worldwide. One fan shared, "I'm literally crying while reading weverse magazine we never walk alone,,,, I just love this fandom so much and I'm grateful to be part of this family." Another said, "Do not read Weverse Magazine until you are emotionally stable enough btw." And one Army stated, "Weverse Magazine has me emotional. we are dwindled down by the gp to crazy hormonal teenage girls when in reality we are capable of all of these amazing things. We are the change, we use our voices and speak up, engage in movements, and make a difference. ARMY is incredible."

The first issue of Weverse Magazine featuring 'BTS & ARMY, We Walk Together: Our Story During The Pandemic' and 'Behind The Success of 'Dynamite': Billboard Chart and it's significance' is available via the Weverse app.